The
1938 friendly between Germany and England in Berlin (May 14, 1938, Germany
3-England 6) is always remembered for the sight of the English players giving the
Nazi salute.

It
is somewhat unclear as to why the players did it (more importantly who forced
them).

According
to England Captain Edris Hapgood, he was called in by FA President Stanley Rous
and tour leader Charles Wreford-Brown. They told him that after a meeting with
the ambassador Sir Neville Henderson, they were instructed to give the Nazi
salute prior to the kickoff to avoid any political incidents. (remember
appeasement)

For
his part, Stanley Rous claimed that he put the decision up to the players, but
did point out that the match atmosphere might be affected by their refusal.

Given
the sensitivity of game with the possibility war looming on the horizon, it
seems unlikely that the authorities (Football or Political) would have left it
up to the players.

For
Years Bolivia’s home venue of Estadio Hernándo Siles at La Paz has been
criticized by visiting teams. Due to the fact that it is very high above sea
level, makes it hard to breath especially for visiting teams who are not
acclimatized to the local conditions. Many have suggested for that particular
venue to be banned. For their part, the Bolivians have claimed that it is an advantage
similar to some nations playing in hot weather or cold.

When
1998 World Cup hosts France’s President was in an official visit in Bolivia in
1997, he lent public support for Bolivia to maintain what it considers a home
field advantage.

Italy
and hosts France were to play one another during the Second Round of the 1938
World Cup in Paris (June 12, 1938, France 1-Italy 3).

Naturally,
the Italians (under Benito Mussolini) expected a hostile reaction from the
local fans, not to mention all the exiled Italians living in France.

Both
teams wore Blue as their primary colors, it has been said lots were drawn to
see who would wear blue and the French won. (Although perhaps as the host
country, they already had that option).

The
Italians could have worn their away strip of white, but it has been suggested
that Mussolini himself wanted the Italians to wear their all Black jerseys to
taunt the crowd and evoke memories of Fascist Black shirts.